luxury hotel in galle

Beautifully restored grand mansion hotel in Galle, Sri Lanka

Awarded ‘Asia Pacific Heritage Award of Distinction’ by UNESCO

A masterpiece of culture and conservation

Galle Fort Hotel

The story of the Galle Fort Hotel is as long and colourful as the island’s beautiful coastline. Originally an 18th-century Dutch villa, it has been a merchant’s mansion, an RAF barracks, a post office, bakery and even a cricket ground. Today, following a painstaking restoration, this grand fort has been beautifully reinvented as a boutique hotel and cultural icon. Step beneath the grand ceremonial entrance and immerse yourself in history, while still enjoying every modern comfort you could imagine.

The interiors perfectly reflect the hotel’s philosophy; a fine balance of history and luxury, the authentic and the indulgent. Take a refreshing dip in the courtyard pool. Sample fresh seafood and wonderfully deep flavours at the hotel’s restaurant. Then drift away in an antique four-poster bed. With just 14 suites, each room has its own personality – and every guest has an experience like no other.

If you can tear yourself away from the poolside, Galle offers a treat for all the senses. Wander streets lined with classic, historic architecture. Breathe in the scent of spices and sea air. Delve into boutique shops and dazzling markets. Or visit a local eatery and explore regional food – a mouthwatering blend of Dutch, Portuguese, English, Arab, Indian and Malay influences.

14 rooms

2 restaurants

1 floor

Hotel type:

Photos

The rooms

The rooms at Galle Fort Hotel offer much more than just air-conditioned comfort. Each of the suites has its own character and quirks, its own elegance and eccentricity. Garden Rooms offer easy access to the frangipani-scented courtyard. Loft Suites feature a separate living space with the upper level devoted to romance or relaxation. Then there are the Porcelain, Library, Admiral Cheng Ho and Mews Suites that have their own individual touches. As its name suggests, for the ultimate in grandeur it has to be the Grand Apartment or Suites.

Porcelain Suite

Porcelain Suite is magnificent and opens out to the central courtyard and swimming pool and has a twenty-foot ceiling, its own separate dressing room and en suite bathroom.

The suite is luxuriously furnished, stylish and has shower, complimentary WiFi access and air conditioning. Suite size: 30 square metres.

Admiral Cheng Ho Suite

Not available for your dates

Sleeps: 3 People.

Admiral Cheng Ho Suite is a large two-storey suite. The upper floor bedroom has a carved Chinese opium bed and work desk. A screen made from rare, antique columns provides privacy

from the generous living area below, furnished with intricate pieces of oriental furniture and a day bed. The suite has shower, complimentary WiFi access and air conditioning. Suite size: 50 square metres.

Mews Suite

Not available for your dates

Sleeps: 3 People.

Mews Suite is two-storey and is more like a small villa – ideal for a family. This suite opens out to a small private garden and separate entranceway. The suite is luxuriously furnished,

Library Suite

Library Suite has two King size beds and separate bathroom with shower. The suite is luxuriously furnished, stylish and has shower, complimentary WiFi access and air conditioning.

Suite size: 50 square metres.

Grand Apartment Suite

Not available for your dates

Sleeps: 2 People.

There are two Grand Apartment Suites and they occupy the entire top floor of the 400 year old wing. They have a King-sized bedroom, en suite bathrooms with shower, private verandah,

complimentary WiFi access, free mini bar and air conditioning. These two suites also share a 50 square metre sitting room and can be sold together as one large Grand Apartment. Each suite bedroom is 80 square metres.

Transport options

Points of Interest

Things to enjoy

Embark on a culinary voyage along the famous Spice Route – from the traditions of Europe to the exotic spices of the East. The chefs at the Galle Fort restaurant celebrate both tradition and freshness, using seasonal produce to create sensational dishes. As they say, “Every dish that makes its way from our kitchen to your table is laced with that most precious ingredient: inspiration.”

Reviews

Overview

Luxurious hotel, great service

By Jeanne from Singapore, Singapore

Stay date: July 2016

My Trip Type: Single

Galle Fort hotel is an oasis of calm and beauty, centrally located in Galle fort yet so comfortable you wouldn't want to go out. The food is good as well. The service is really outstanding. The staff are friendly, polite, going the extra mile. I asked one of them to help me buy some food from outside. Not only did he do so, he even got it plated nicely with extra side trimmings.
I'd return to Galle and spend a few days just chilling out in the hotel!

Top tip for other guests:

note that some rooms have stairs and so may not be suitable for those less mobile